Distributed by: Panasonic Australia | Expect to pay: 1,749
Key Features: Any DJ wanting a vinyl turntable experience should be familiar with the iconic Technics SL-1200 series. I mean, they are without question the benchmark for all turntables – for decades, these direct-drive units have dominated festival stages and dingy DJ booths in clubs all around the world, with their sturdy construction, limitless reliability and classic looks making them akin to other musical icons like the Stratocaster and MiniMoog.
For those looking for a classic Technics turntable mixing experience without having to keep an eagle eye on the used market for an old 1200, look no further than the new 1210MK7. With its Coreless Direct Drive Motor and featuring a sleek black aesthetic, this modern unit boasts all the features we have come to love from the brand and a few more that are sure to endear it to a whole new generation of vinyl enthusiasts and beat selectors.
On the outside, you can feel the rich history of the design and its legendary build quality, but removing the platter reveals some crazy new developments, including switches underneath for fine-tuning the starting torque and brake speed, making it extremely customisable to the DJ’s personal taste. Reverse Playback is also welcome new feature, opening up all kinds of creative options.
Highly precise bearings balance the instantly recognisable S-shaped arm and provide stability even whilst scratching. There’s a handy pop-up stylus light (a bright and durable white LED) and the option to set the strobe light to red or blue.
Both the stylish matte black case and feet feature vibration-absorbing cases to suppress interference. Featuring all the class of the immortal series combined with the latest in turntable technology, the SL-1210MK7 offers unrivaled performance at this price point. Would you expect anything less?
Mixdown Says: If you’re lucky enough to pull up to a DJ booth with your record bag and beset your eyes upon a pair of these bad boys, it’s probably safe to say that you’re about to experience a life-changing moment.
The precise pitch control function of the SL-1210MK7 – a perfection fusion of digital and analogue technology – eliminates DA conversion to improve overall tracking, and that study S-shape tonearm makes sure the turntable will always track your records accurately, even when you’re aggressively spinning the platter to lock into a cue point.
What’s more, the rigid cabinet and high-damping insulator of the SL-1210MK7 makes sure that the turntable is safe from rumbling low-end frequencies and unwanted vibrations, allowing your vinyl to spin steadily and optimising sound quality – a must have for any booth-bound disc-spinner, or even just a savvy audiophile seeking the finest listening experience on the market.
Overall: Technics are a legendary presence within the world of DJing, and the SL-1210MK7 really goes the distance to reaffirm this status. Between its rigid construction, sleek looks, ease of operation and superb sound quality, it’s fair to say there’s few options on the market that can come close to what’s on offer here. Take your sets to a whole new level, and take the plunge today.
Find out more about the Technics SL-1210MK7 here.
